Howard, Davis defend women’s health privacy

Two lawmakers who both believe government should stay out of the doctor’s office discussed their views at The Austin Club on Tuesday, the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, legalizing abortion.

West University Place Republican Sarah Davis joined state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin on stage during a Texas Tribune “Trib Live” discussion revolving around the new Texas Women’s Health Program which replaced a similar Medicaid program except for the fact that Planned Parenthood is excluded from it.

Davis reiterated her long-held stance that while she opposes abortion and could not ever choose that option for herself, she doesn’t think it is lawmakers’ job to manage a woman’s doctor office visit.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to make the decision for me,” she said.
Davis also countered criticism about her vote in 2011 against requiring women to have a sonogram before an abortion.

She said her vote was consistent with the party’s belief in a limited government. Davis said she finds that Republicans’ opposition to Obamacare is “inconsistent” with their support for the sonogram measure.